When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.